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West Brom's Chris Brunt says Chelsea face tough test at The Hawthorns

Chris Brunt
Image: Chris Brunt says Chelsea will face a tough test at West Brom, as Antonio Conte's men look to win the Premier League with a win on Friday

Chris Brunt has warned Chelsea that West Brom will be no pushovers when they travel to The Hawthorns for a prospective title party, live on Friday Night Football.

Antonio Conte's side know they will become Premier League champions in the Italian's first season at the helm if they beat Tony Pulis' men, who currently sit eighth in the table.

The Baggies, focused on ensuring their own campaign ends on a high, are aiming towards a top-half finish and five more points to reach 50 - a total which would eclipse their best-ever Premier League tally.

"It's our last game at home, and we've done reasonably well at home, so it would be nice to go out and get a result against them if we can," said Brunt.

"We can't just roll over and let them get the result they need to win the league. They won't get an easy game when they come to The Hawthorns on Friday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08:  Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Che
Image: Chelsea will become Premier League champions if they beat Tony Pulis' side

"We've lost the last couple at home without scoring a goal. Chelsea are a top side and it's going to be really difficult, but it would be nice to finish off on a high if we can."

It was West Brom who derailed Tottenham's title quest at White Hart Lane last year when Craig Dawson's 73rd-minute equaliser resulted in a 1-1 draw which dealt Spurs a blow they could not recover from with three to play.

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Chelsea have won just once in their previous five trips to West Brom and a fourth defeat in six for the Blues at The Hawthorns would see West Brom bow out on a high in their final home game, ensuring the customary lap of honour would not be overshadowed by jubilant scenes from the visitors and their travelling fans.

Gareth McAuley
Image: Gareth McAuley is hoping the hosts will end their season on a high in front of their home fans

"It would be nice if we got a result to go around the pitch and appreciate our own supporters after that game," added defender Gareth McAuley.

"They're a top, top side. Over the years we've had good games against them and we've had a few good results at The Hawthorns, so we'll be turning up confident and trying to win the game.

"It will be a hard game. They're going for the title and we've still got things to play for ourselves.

"We're leaving it late but we've still got three games left to get 50 points, there's still a desire in the group to do that and we want to finish strong."

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